Table of contents for Issue 2, 2026 in New Idea

There are so many books on my reading list at the moment and as someone who much prefers to hold a real-life paperback copy, I’m about to join my local library. And after reading our summer books special on page 78, I’ve added five more to my list! We also feature three juicy teasers from the best releases of 2026. Along with that there’s a brand-new cash prize this week – a whopping $20,000 is up for grabs. See page 14 for all the details. And if you’ve got a pantry full of cans of tuna or salmon like me, check out our recipes from page 34 to see how to turn them into delicious meals for the whole family! Acting Editorial Director…

As they frolicked in the surf during a romantic Costa Rican getaway, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster looked every bit the smitten newlywed honeymooners. And while they may not yet have officially said their marital vows, New Idea can reveal it’s “only a matter of time”. Hugh, 57, and Sutton, 50, “are taking every cheeky few days they get, to try out different places and see if it would make for the perfect wedding or honeymoon venue,” our source exclusively reveals. Their Costa Rican mini-break over the New Year holiday ticked so many boxes, New Idea hears that Hugh actually popped the question while there, on a whim! “It wasn’t a shock to Sutton as it’s something they’ve been talking about,” tells the source. “But Hugh did get down on…

His divorce from Nicole Kidman might be officially done and dusted, but Keith Urban is still feeling lost and untethered after enduring his first Christmas without his daughters by his side. As per their custody agreement, Nicole, 58, had Sunday, 17, and Faith for the recent festive period. She whisked them Down Under to spend time with her sister Antonia’s family. While here, they also celebrated Faith’s 15th birthday on December 28 and rang in the New Year before flying out on January 4. “Missing Faith’s birthday was like a gut punch to Keith,” shares a worried pal, who fears the country crooner, 58, is “completely lost” without his family. “Keith doesn’t know where home is anymore,” adds the source. “He’s focusing on work and that keeps him in Nashville,…

Time spent down south, enjoying the serene beauty of the Apple Isle, was just what Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell needed after navigating a trying few months that, sources claim, tested their almost six-year marriage like never before. New Idea spotted the couple arriving at the airport in Hobart, Tasmania, preparing to fly home to Queensland after their mini-break. They’d spent the last few days quietly exploring with their daughter Grace, four, with lots of hikes and beach time on the itinerary. New Idea understands the trip couldn’t have come at a better time. Chandler, 29, reportedly ended last year feeling “exhausted” and like he was playing second fiddle to his brother-in-law Robert, who was gallivanting around the globe for his showbiz career. Indeed, Chandler had to leave his beloved…

Iced Vovo Tart SERVES 12 PREP & COOK 45 MINS ■ 250g packet Nice biscuits ■ 2 tbsp desiccated coconut, plus extra to decorate ■ 125g butter, melted ■ 85g packet raspberry jelly ■ 200ml thickened cream ■ Liquid pink food colouring MARSHMALLOW FILLING ■ 150g pink marshmallows ■ 250g cream cheese, chopped ■ 300ml tub thickened cream, whipped 1 Process biscuits and coconut in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press evenly over base and up side of a greased 24cm round x 3.5cm deep, loose-base fluted flan tin. Place on an oven tray. Refrigerate while preparing the filling. 2 FILLING Stir marshmallows and ¹⁄³ cup water in a medium saucepan over a low heat until melted and smooth. Transfer to a heatproof bowl.…

SAVE YOUR SCALP Did you know that maintaining a healthy scalp could be the key to a luscious head of hair? “Your scalp is where your hair follicles are housed and [these follicles] contain the DNA for your hair,” explains trichologist, Chelcey Salinger. “Looking after this area (and reducing inflammation and damage) will therefore help hair growth.” Chelcey suggests washing your hair frequently and using quality hair care “that is the correct pH (around 5.5) and contains antioxidants” to help maintain a healthy scalp. DON’T SKIP THE SPF! An essential step in any skincare routine, SPF should be applied every day – yes, even when it’s cloudy outside! “SPF is an important step for maintaining healthy skin,” advises Jordan Allomes, skincare education lead at Mecca. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND…

Jane Hall happily reunited with her ex-husband Vince Colosimo as they celebrated their daughter Lucia’s birthday recently. The Neighbours actress turned midwife shared a happy family snap on social media, writing, “Twentythree today. Her dad and I love her so very much.” Jane, 54, and Underbelly star Vince, 59, split in 2007 after 11 years of marriage. Initially, they were allegedly locked in a bitter dispute over property, but over time the pair have managed to patch things up for Lucia’s sake. In subsequent years, the now-amicable exes lived just 500 metres from each other, with Jane calling the unique set-up with Vince “a bit kookily Modern Family”.…

For years, Angelina Jolie has wanted to leave the City of Angels – and her moving date is now in sight! The 50-year-old actress has been forced to remain in Los Angeles as she still shares custody of her twins, Knox and Vivienne, with her estranged ex-husband Brad Pitt. But with the twins turning 18 on July 12, Ange will finally be able to put Hollywood, and her famous ex, behind her. Ange has already put her $37 million Los Feliz estate – where she’s lived with her children since 2017 – on the market. According to sources, she has plans to split her time between the USA and Europe. “Ange wants to shut shop in LA and move to France later this year. She wants a fresh start. Having…

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may have hoped for a fresh start in the new year, but it looks like all their problems – and some additional, unpleasant ones – have followed them to 2026. New Idea hears their newly rechristened foundation Archewell Philanthropies is potentially facing investigation by US authorities. “They’ve been told it’s not if, but when, Archewell will be audited by the US Internal Revenue Service,” our source reveals. Such an audit could be triggered when non-profit organisations run up large, unspecified costs, disperse fewer charitable grants than previously and/or have a financial deficit. Last month, the Daily Mail reported that, in 2024, Archewell recorded total expenses of $7.5 million, while taking in donations of $3.1 million. It gave out $1.8 million in grants during that…

First came love, then came two baby carriages for Declan Cleary and Sarah Todd. Now, New Idea can reveal that marriage is next on the agenda for the MasterChef Australia couple! Last week, Declan finally confirmed long-standing reports that he and Sarah are engaged, by referring to her as his “happy fiancée” in an Instagram Story. The confirmation came shortly after Declan and Sarah, 38, welcomed their twin daughters, Claudia and Charlotte, just before Christmas. The new parents gave fans a look at their first days as a family of five – Sarah is also mum to teen son Phoenix – on social media last week, which is when Declan let slip about their engagement. The couple were also seen enjoying a stroll with Claudia and Charlotte in Melbourne on…

Sweet Chilli Salmon and Sweet Potato Cakes SERVES 4-6 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR ■ 800g orange sweet potato, peeled, cut into 2cm pieces ■ 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for shallow frying ■ 250g packet microwave brown rice and quinoa ■ 415g can red salmon, drained, flaked ■ 4 green onions, thinly sliced ■ ½ cup chopped fresh coriander ■ 1 egg, lightly beaten ■ 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce, plus extra to serve ■ 1 cup panko breadcrumbs ■ 2 x 315g packets Thai Style Salad Kit 1 Place sweet potato on a non-stick oven tray. Drizzle over oil. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Spread into an even layer. 2 Cook in a 200C preheated oven for 25-30 mins, or until sweet potato is…

Edited extract from The Australian Women’s Weekly The Easy Lunchbox. Available where all good books are sold, RRP $24.99. Ginger Beef and Quinoa Salad SERVES 2 PREP & COOK 35 MINS ■ ½ cup tri-coloured quinoa, rinsed well ■ 2 tsp fish sauce ■ 2cm piece fresh ginger, grated finely ■ 1 small clove garlic, crushed ■ ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper ■ 200g beef fillet steak ■ 100g sugar snap peas, trimmed, halved lengthways ■ 1 baby gem lettuce, quartered ■ ½ butter lettuce, leaves separated ■ 1 celery stalk, sliced thinly diagonally ■ 2 green onions, sliced thinly lengthways ■ 1 fresh long red chilli, sliced thinly (optional) ■ Lime wedges, to serve LIME AND GINGER DRESSING ■ 2 tbsp lime juice ■ 2 tbsp extra virgin…

There are so many important events that we experience as parents, and our children starting school is a big one. I find it brings so many mixed emotions as we watch our baby begin this huge new journey. As exciting as it is to see them enter this new phase of independent life, it is hard to not feel a pang of sadness for the baby years left behind. END OF AN ERA This year hits especially hard for me as my last baby, Alby, starts school, and my first baby, Sam, ends his school journey with Year 12. Both are emotional for me in different ways and it is certainly going to be a year of firsts and lasts and plenty of tears. This year we have Alby in…

Q What inspired you and the team to start Lush, and what did you want to do differently from other beauty brands at the time? A We wanted to create a shop with theatre. I wanted our shops to have good customer service and to be an experience. That’s why we demo the bubble box, the bath bombs… We have lids on the product so that you can try them, smell them and make sure you like them. We like to have everything out so it's very experiential and hopefully fun! Q Lush has made sustainability feel luxurious. How does the brand continue to make eco-friendly choices feel like an indulgence rather than a compromise? A We spend a lot of care and attention finding raw materials. A lot of…

STRANGERS Out Tue., Penguin Books, $36.99 SUDDEN BETRAYAL ‘The girls were still asleep when he left’ MEMOIR STRANGERS By Belle Burden In the early days of the pandemic, Belle’s husband of 20 years told her he wanted out of their marriage – with no prior warning. It was like he had transformed from her steady companion into a total stranger overnight. With three children to look after, Belle found herself stronger than she ever thought she could be… The girls were still asleep when he left. When I heard their movements, their steps on the stairs, my door opening, I pulled back James’s side of the duvet to make it look like he had slept there. They got in bed with me, warm in their matching monkey-print pajamas, their hair…

“LEO’S MADE ME LAUGH SO MUCH I’VE WET MYSELF!” Kate Winslet’s enduring friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio is a riot! “ALL I GET IS COMPLAINTS ALL DAY LONG.” Mila Kunis says being president of her homeowner’s association is a “thankless job”. “CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY A COKE TASTES SO AMAZING IN A GLASS BOTTLE?” Jules Robinson asks the important questions! “I’M PUTTING FOOD ON THE TABLE AND HAVING A REALLY NICE TIME.” Working on Emily in Paris is a winning situation for Minnie Driver! “ABOUT FOUR MINUTES AFTER I MET HER.” Tim Daly reveals how long it took to fall in love with his now wife, Téa Leoni.…

EDITORIAL Acting Editorial Director Rachel Williams, Deputy Editor Leigh Credlin, Art Director Katie Garside, Picture Editor Matthew Mackay ARE MEDIA Chief Executive Officer Jane Huxley, Director of Sales Anna Quinn, Director of Content Sally Eagle, General Manager Entertainment Susan Armstrong, Commercial Brand Manager Jessica Ashworth, Director of Marketing Carly Bowra Subscription enquiries: Customer Service 136 116 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm AEST) International +61 2 9692 3535 Email magshop@magshop.com.au Website www.magshop.com.au Advertising enquiries: advertising@aremedia.com.au Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ABN 18 053 273 546), 54-58 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. ©2026. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission. New Idea is a registered trade mark of Are Media. Use of trademark strictly prohibited. Licensing Inquiries: www.contentshop.com.au / syndication@aremedia.com.au Printed by…

Former The Bachelorette star Lee Elliott has been left with “one major regret” over his failed romance with TV star Carrie Bickmore. Last July, New Idea exclusively revealed the pair were dating, but the romance fizzled out shortly afterwards. “Lee really stuffed up by kissing and telling,” a source tells New Idea. Carrie, 45, is well-known for keeping her personal life private, with speculation about their relationship quickly changing things. “She made it clear early that if anything was going to progress, it needed to stay discreet,” says the insider. “But once it was out there, she stepped back.” It was announced that Lee’s marriage to Georgia Love had ended last February, while Carrie’s marriage, to TV producer Chris Walker ended in early 2023. Lee, 44, and Carrie met through…

Kate Hudson was spotted shopping for wedding bands in New York with fiancé Danny Fujikawa in December, according to gossip website Deuxmoi. But New Idea hears Kate’s mum, Goldie Hawn, isn’t keen to play mother of the bride any time soon! “Plans are for a nuptials in Colorado during spring break,” our source shares. “But Goldie has warned Kate not to wed again.” The star’s first marriage to rocker Chris Robinson ended in 2007. “Goldie never married Kurt [Russell] because she believes it would ruin their relationship,” our source says. “She thinks Kate and Danny are perfect as they are.”…

When the disgraced Sarah Ferguson sent out her Christmas cards last year, they didn’t just contain season’s greetings messages. According to the Daily Express, Fergie, 66, penned “overly effusive apologies” in the cards, addressed to members of the royal family, including King Charles and Queen Camilla. The notes “expressed regret for past events involving the House of York”. A palace aide told the publication that it was as if Fergie – whose downfall is related to her association with late, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – was “pleading for forgiveness” and trying to “smooth over” tensions.…

Sticky Hoisin Chicken Nibbles SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 30 MINS ■ ¼ cup hoisin sauce ■ 2 tbsp soy sauce ■ 1 tbsp honey ■ 1 tsp sesame oil ■ 2 tsp grated ginger ■ 1kg chicken wing nibbles (see tip) ■ 1 tbsp plain flour ■ 1 tsp garlic powder ■ Toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, to serve 1 Combine sauces, honey, oil and ginger in a jug. Set aside. 2 Pat chicken dry with absorbent kitchen paper. Transfer to a large bowl. Sprinkle over flour and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. 3 Lightly spray a 7-litre air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place chicken in basket. Air fry on 200C for 16 mins, turning chicken halfway through cooking time. 4 Transfer…

HAMNET In cinemas Thu. Even before she had finished writing what was to become her 2020 novel, Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell knew that Paul Mescal needed to play the book’s central figure, William Shakespeare, should it ever be adapted to the big screen. “I always wanted it to be Paul,” the author confessed recently. “I just said, ‘It has to be him.’” Well, her wish came true, as Paul is now starring as the Bard alongside Jessie Buckley as his wife (here named Agnes), as the couple deal with the tragic death of their young son, Hamnet. The loss prompts Shakespeare to write his play, Hamlet. Sitting down with New Idea during Hamnet’s press tour in LA, Paul, 29, opens up about his special bond with fellow Irish star Jessie, and…

BOWLED OVER! Jackson Warne He may not have been bowling, but Jackson was still the spitting image of his late, spin-king dad Shane Warne when he competed in a Backyard Cricket Series charity match in Melbourne. Talk about a chip off the old block! Sarah Jessica Parker SJP was joined by husband, Matthew Broderick, and son James Wilkie when she received the Golden Globes’ Carol Burnett Award in Los Angeles. Stephen Fry Stephen appeared as his The Importance of Being Earnest character, Lady Bracknell, while performing at the Royal Variety Performance, alongside Paddington Bear, in London. DRY HUMOUR! Heidi Klum Let’s face it, supermodel Heidi is totally wrapped up in her husband Tom Kaulitz – and has the kooky beach towel to prove it! She rocked the unique look while…